Yajnavalkya Smiles
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 47
Doha 47 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bharadvaja asks for the full story that will dissolve his great confusion. Across from him, Yajnavalkya smiles. The smile carries no mockery. He knows the devotion of the questioner, whose mind, action, and speech already belong to Ram. This is not ignorance seeking display. It is wisdom taking the form of doubt so the profound virtues of Raghupati may be spoken for every listener.
The sage invites him to listen with reverent attention. Ram Katha now appears in two immense forms. Great delusion charges like a colossal buffalo, heavy with the power to trample discernment. The story becomes fierce Kali, rising against it with irresistible force. Then the same Katha softens into moonbeams, and saintly hearts become chakor birds drinking that cool radiance.
Bhavani once raised a doubt of the same kind. Mahadeva answered her in full. By returning to that ancient exchange, Yajnavalkya will allow one divine conversation to illumine another beside the waters of Prayag.
Yajnavalkya's smile fades into stillness, and the voice of Shiva draws near.
Read the passage from the Manas
जैसे मिटै मोर भ्रम भारी। कहहु सो कथा नाथ बिस्तारी।। जागबलिक बोले मुसुकाई। तुम्हहि बिदित रघुपति प्रभुताई।। राममगत तुम्ह मन क्रम बानी। चतुराई तुम्हारी मैं जानी।। चाहहु सुनै राम गुन गूढ़ा। कीन्हिहु प्रस्न मनहुँ अति मूढ़ा।। तात सुनहु सादर मनु लाई। कहउँ राम कै कथा सुहाई।। महामोहु महिषेसु बिसाला। रामकथा कालिका कराला।। रामकथा ससि किरन समाना। संत चकोर करहिं जेहि पाना।। ऐसेइ संसय कीन्ह भवानी। महादेव तब कहा बखानी।।
"Tell me that story at length, O Lord, so that this great delusion of mine may dissolve." Yajnavalkya (Yagya-balik) smiled gently and replied, "You are a man of wisdom; moha has not truly touched you."